Culture

Celosia is a tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. It is grown in the St. Louis area as a warm weather annual. It is easily grown in humusy, moderately fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade and dry soils. Thrives in hot and humid St. Louis summers. Seed may be sown directly in the garden after last spring frost date. For earlier bloom, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Set out seedlings or purchased plants after last frost date. Taller cultivars should be planted in locations sheltered from strong winds. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cristata Group plants, commonly called cockscombs, are old garden favorites that feature fasciated, large crested flower heads (3-12” across), with each flower head somewhat resembling the comb of a rooster. Flower colors include bright shades of orange, red, purple, yellow and pink. Flowers bloom throughout summer into fall (sometimes to frost) on stems clad with spear-shaped green to red-purple leaves. The flower heads sometimes project an artificial, almost plastic-like appearance that, to some gardeners, may border on the gaudy. Cristata Group cultivars range in size from dwarf to tall (8-36”). Selections include the Jewel Box Series (to 6-8” tall) and the Big Chief Series (to 3’ tall).

Genus name comes from the Greek word keleos meaning burning for the colorful flowers.